P.K.M. Electric Cooperative, Inc.

With the roll-out of "SmartHub" our website is getting a new look. Our hope is you find it useful, full of information and a convenient method to ask a question or make a comment.

To the member/owners of PKM your electric utility is organized under the same guiding principles as most cooperative organizations:

Voluntary and Open Membership

Democratic Member Control

Members' Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training and Information

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for Community

The seven principles become the guide, how they are implemented and adhered to becomes the proof. As member/owners of PKM you elect a board of directors that meet monthly or as necessary to review operations and establish policy by which your cooperative is governed and operated. The board of directors in turn retains, legal counsel, auditor, engineer and a manager. The manager is responsible for retaining a competent staff that will carry out the policies of the cooperative and operate your cooperative utility in an efficient and businesslike manner to the benefit of you the member/owner.

For nearly 30 years I had had the honor and privilege of being the manager of your cooperative utility. I am prone to some of the same frailties that plague most humans but I do know a bit about running your cooperative. I know for certain that the board of directors would not put up with me if that wasn't the case. However, it matters little what I think, what matters is what you the member/owners thinks.

There was a time when a good goal for any business was to meet the customers' expectations. In today's world that just doesn't cut it. We want to exceed your expectations. To that we add the 8th cooperative principle: Operate as if the member/owner was looking over your shoulder. With the exception of litigation (not common) and privacy rights of individuals anything you want to know about your cooperative plans, policies or business practices is your right.

Remember when I said the 7 cooperative principles were a good guide but the proof was in the implementation? Striving to exceed your expectations is a good goal but where's the proof Chuck? That brings me to rule #9. If you're a fan of NCIS Gibb's rule #9 is "Never go anywhere without a knife" although probably a good idea unless you are boarding a plane my rule or principle #9 is my cell phone 218.689.8132. If you believe we have failed to exceed your expectations call me. I don't have the best cell service but I have voice mail and can most always receive a text.

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Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.